How does adding soap detergent to milk create a swirling effect?

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In summary, the Milk Detergent Experiment is a demonstration of how detergent affects the surface tension of milk and can be used to explain its ability to remove oil and grease from surfaces. The materials needed for the experiment include a shallow dish, whole milk, food coloring, dish detergent, and a toothpick or cotton swab. To perform the experiment, pour the milk into the dish, add food coloring, and then touch the surface of the milk with a detergent-dipped toothpick or cotton swab. The movement of the milk and food coloring is caused by the detergent breaking the surface tension of the milk. This experiment showcases the properties of surface tension and how detergent can disrupt it, allowing for the creation of swirling patterns.
  • #1
Moose352
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For those who haven't seen it, if you put a little soap detergent in a dish of milk with some food coloring in it, you will see the food coloring swirling around and away. Why does this occur?
 
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  • #2
Hello,

A soap detergent is a surfactant, having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts in the framework. A food coloring is possibly a dye such as "Ponceau". The swirling effect is possibly due to solubility of the dye in one part of detergent, with involvements of Brownian motions. I'm not sure about the second though.

Regards
chem_tr
 
  • #3


This phenomenon occurs due to a process called surface tension. Milk is made up of water, fats, and proteins. When soap detergent is added, it disrupts the surface tension of the milk by breaking down the fat and protein molecules. This allows the food coloring, which is water-based, to move freely and mix with the milk. The swirling motion is caused by the movement of the soap molecules as they interact with the fat and protein molecules in the milk. This experiment showcases the effects of surfactants, such as soap, which are commonly used in cleaning products to break down and remove dirt and oil from surfaces. Overall, the milk detergent experiment is a fun and visual way to understand the science behind how soap works.
 

1. What is the purpose of the Milk Detergent Experiment?

The purpose of the Milk Detergent Experiment is to demonstrate the effects of detergent on the surface tension of milk. This experiment can also be used to explain how detergent works to remove oil and grease from surfaces.

2. What materials are needed for the Milk Detergent Experiment?

To conduct the Milk Detergent Experiment, you will need a shallow dish, whole milk, food coloring, dish detergent, and a toothpick or cotton swab.

3. How do I perform the Milk Detergent Experiment?

First, pour the milk into the shallow dish and let it settle. Then, add a few drops of food coloring to the milk. Next, dip the toothpick or cotton swab in the dish detergent and gently touch it to the surface of the milk. Observe the changes in the milk as the detergent breaks the surface tension.

4. What causes the milk and food coloring to move in the Milk Detergent Experiment?

The movement of the milk and food coloring is caused by the detergent breaking the surface tension of the milk. This allows the food coloring to mix with the milk and create the swirling effect.

5. What is the science behind the Milk Detergent Experiment?

The Milk Detergent Experiment demonstrates the properties of surface tension, which is the force that causes the surface of a liquid to behave like a thin elastic sheet. The detergent disrupts this force, allowing the food coloring to mix with the milk and creating the swirling patterns.

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